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Meanwhile, Rob Brown has joined another HBO drama pilot, David Simon's "Treme."

Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, "Empire" chronicles the early 20th century origins of Atlantic City, N.J., and revolves around Nucky Johnson (Steve Buscemi), who runs a liquor distribution ring, and Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), his ruthless flunky.

Palladino, repped by Rigberg Entertainment and attorney Steve Younger, will play Jimmy's wife.

Sparks, repped by Gersh and One Entertainment, will play a funeral director whose real business is bootlegging. He recently appeared in "Rachel Getting Married."

Whigham, repped by CAA and Principal, will play Eli Johnson, Nucky's corrupt sheriff brother. He next appears in "Fast & Furious" and "Bad Lieutenant."